To regain widespread support for the animal rights movement by rethinking its approach.

2005.08.15

Here are some ideas for creating bags, belts, shoes, or coats without accidentally telling the meat industry that you want more dead cows.

Idea#1: Recycled/Vintage leather: This may not be for everyone. Although you are not directly creating demand or helping out the meat industry, if your design is too cool, you may encourage others to do go out and buy new leather. At the same time, you are putting the material to use, and therefore making the animal's death worth a bit more. (You know, the whole "use every part, make it last" thing).

Also, how cool is vintage leather? You can either root through your closet, find that horrible leather jacket you never wear, cut it up, and have a fabulous bag.

Or, you could even shop the aisles of your local thrift shops and find some super-soft leather made into a horrendous design.

TIP: Why don't you make some earrings out of vintage leather strips mixed with metal necklace chains?

Idea #2: Use your boycott of leather as a chance to be creative. What is a cool material that no one has made a bag out of yet? Leather bags are nice, but, honestly, they are a bit played out.